Poaching Exhibition “Scoundrels Museum”

An informative exhibition on the history of combating poaching

In April 2025, a new informative exhibition “Scoundrels Museum” was opened on the banks of the Gauja in Sigulda, dedicated to the history of combating poaching in the Gauja National Park from 1974 to 2000. This exhibition complements the existing “Gauja Raftsman’s Story”, offering visitors the opportunity to explore another significant aspect of Latvia’s cultural history.

The exhibition provides insight into the work of nature protection inspectors fighting against poaching in the Gauja National Park. Various confiscated fishing tools are on display, including spears, electric fishing equipment, nets, traps, and lamprey hooks. Visitors can learn about the inspectors’ working methods and the challenges associated with nature protection during this period.

Special attention in the exhibition is given to the popular inspector Māris Mitrevics, known as MITRAIS. His experiences and crime stories reveal the everyday life and challenges faced by nature protection inspectors in combating poaching.